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The Epistemic Risk in Representation

Harvard, Stephanie and Winsberg, Eric (2021) The Epistemic Risk in Representation. [Preprint]

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Abstract

Both the distinction between the 'internal' and 'external' phases of science and the concept of 'inductive risk' are core constructs in the values in science literature. However, both constructs have shortcomings, which, we argue, have concealed the unique significance of values in scientific representation. We defend three closely-related proposals to rectify the problem: i) to draw a conceptual distinction between adopting a 'fact' and making a decision about representation; ii) to employ a conception of inductive risk that aligns with this distinction, not one between internal/external phases in science; iii) to conceptualize 'representational risk' as a unique epistemic risk, no less significant than inductive risk. We outline the implications of each proposal for current debates in the values in science literature.


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Item Type: Preprint
Creators:
CreatorsEmailORCID
Harvard, Stephanieharvards@mail.ubc.ca
Winsberg, Ericeric.winsberg@gmail.com
Keywords: Values in science; inductive risk; representation
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Values In Science
Depositing User: Dr. Stephanie Harvard
Date Deposited: 07 Jan 2021 20:10
Last Modified: 07 Jan 2021 20:10
Item ID: 18576
Subjects: General Issues > Models and Idealization
General Issues > Values In Science
Date: 5 January 2021
URI: https://philsci-archive.pitt.edu/id/eprint/18576

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